A key part of the structural reform program currently under way in Greece is the privatization of state-owned companies, especially in the energy, power generation and infrastructure sectors. Hence, the key question for international investors is: “Should you consider investing in and/or acquiring these companies?” Dr. Michopoulos will discuss developments in the private sector, where companies seek to navigate the crisis via aggressive debt restructuring, cost-cutting measures and job reductions, as well as Merger & Acquisition activities and diversification in new sectors, including Energy.

In addition, Dr. Michopoulos will explore investment opportunities in the small, family-owned companies operating both in traditional sectors, e.g. retail, tourism and services, that are the backbone of the Greek economy, as well as in emerging and highly productive, niche sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and high-tech.

Yanos has more than 25 years of international executive experience in Infrastructure, Oil &Gas, Private Equity and Renewables in a variety of senior functional and operational roles. He now leads a network of partners who work with international investors and asset owners, both during the investment phase (e.g. strategy and execution, project deal flow, transaction support, new market entries, purchasing efficiencies, contract negotiations etc.) as well as the operational phase (e.g. active management of portfolio companies, corporate governance, value creation, cost savings, sharing best practices, leadership development / coaching etc.) vennergy partners also work in association with other local, regional and global advisory firms, such as www.ofscap.com, a boutique investment bank offering financial and consulting services to the Energy sector in Americas and world-wide. Yanos is also active in Leadership Development as the founder of a boutique leadership and coaching firm (www.epiphany.enterprises) that works in partnership with the UK’s Institute of Directors, various business schools in the UK, Europe and USA and other specialist learning organisations (e.g. www.theartoflearn.com). Previously, Yanos was Regional VP at Vestas Wind Systems, responsible for Sales and Operations in Greece, Cyprus and Balkan countries (reporting to Madrid). He doubled the business to 1.2 GW and achieved operational excellence in various KPIs (notably Safety, Profitability, Operational Excellence and Customer satisfaction). During his final 18 months at Vestas, Yanos assumed an additional role as VP for Business Development for emerging markets in Central & Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa (based in Hamburg). Yanos, had also set-up a Private Equity fund for Clean Tech investments in South East Europe (€100 million first close, with fund-raising planned for an additional €100 million). Prior to that, Yanos held the role of CEO of TRAINOSE, the only Rail operator in Greece, a state-owned company, currently being privatised. He began his corporate career with Shell International, spending 18 years in various positions at global and regional levels. His last role was Regional General Manager for Shell Marine Products, responsible for Med, Middle East, South Asia and Africa (reporting to Singapore). Annual turnover appox. €1.5 billion, 350 staff members in 26 countries. Yanos studied Physics, first at Athens University, Greece (BSc) and then at Durham University in the UK (PhD). Consequently, his earlier career was as a University Professor in the UK and Austria. He has attended a number of Exec Ed programmes at various business schools, such as IMD (Switzerland), Ashridge and Cranfield (UK)

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